Skip advert
Advertisement

In-car vacuum cleaner mini test

We test the new in-car vacuum cleaner from Dyson to find out how it compares to our current best buy

Cleaning up crumbs in your car is simple with a dedicated vacuum cleaner. There’s no need to drag the household vac to your driveway, as the latest handhelds are small enough to be left in the boot for use away from the mains.

Dyson’s updated Animal DC34 has a motorised brush head for picking up pet hair, plus its digital motor claims to spin five times faster than an F1 engine. We put it up against our current favourite: the Halfords 12V Car Vacuum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our road test team loves these vacs, and we tested them on cars ahead of a photoshoot. We used them to shift dog hairs from the boot, biscuit crumbs from the driver’s seat and muck from the footwell. Plus, we counted the attachments included and rated suction over a section of carpet. Price was also a factor.

The Dyson’s suction is second to none, plus it’s easy to empty. Battery life is limited, though, and it’s just too pricey. So the Halfords is still best for clearing up on the go. Unlike the Dyson, it’s not cordless, but there’s a long 12-volt cable and it also has three attachments.

Money no object: Dyson DC34 Animal

Price: £179.99

Contact: www.dyson.co.uk

Rating:★★★★

Dyson DC34 Animal

Best buy: Halfords 12V Car Vacuum

Price: £19.99

Contact: www.halfords.com

Rating:★★★★★

Halfords 12V Car Vacuum
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £2,785 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,239 off RRP*Used from £13,500
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,275Avg. savings £2,806 off RRP*Used from £7,799
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £7,139 off RRP*Used from £10,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Ford Fiesta ST confirmed as fast Fords are ‘non-negotiable’
Fiesta ST vs Polo GTI vs i20 N - Ford Fiesta ST cornering

New Ford Fiesta ST confirmed as fast Fords are ‘non-negotiable’

Fast Ford fans rejoice, as the top-brass confirm that ST and maybe even RS models are firmly part of the plan
News
7 Jun 2026
Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso successor will be boxy, practical and futuristic
Citroen C4 Picasso - exclusive image

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso successor will be boxy, practical and futuristic

Citroen is going back to what it does best: new MPV will be boxy, practical and family-friendly
News
8 Jun 2026
Long-term test: Dacia Bigster Journey hybrid 155
Dacia Bigster - header

Long-term test: Dacia Bigster Journey hybrid 155

Second report: We were already impressed by our SUV’s value-for-money, but it turns out to be extremely frugal to run, too
Long-term tests
8 Jun 2026